Bound (A Lord of the Rings Fanfic)

Chapter 2

Cassie POV

I look at Frodo, his jaw is set in determination and his eyes are filled with strength. His voice softens as he continues, "Though I do not know the way."

Gandalf steps forward, clearly pleased but still shocked that Frodo is offering to take on this challenge. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."

Aragorn is next to swear his allegiance as he kneels in front of Frodo. ". . . you have my sword."

"And you have my bow." Legolas announces stepping forward.

"And my axe." Gimli declares following suit.

Boromir looks at Elrond and Gandalf and agrees to offer his protection to Frodo. Immediately after come all of Frodo's friends, Sam first then Pippin and Merry. They all agree that they will accompany Frodo.

"Ten companions. . . so be it." Elrond says thoughtfully, he continues to announce, "You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."

I can't help but smile, this surely is as beautiful as it is the movie. My breath catches in my throat as pictures of loss and grief fill my vision but there are also pictures of happiness and rebirth. I feel as though I lose control of my body, "You will succeed only if you work as one." My voice is much deeper and powerful. I see the variety of looks that cross the council, I turn to Jessie. She looks confused "Cass. . . " That is all I hear before darkness encompasses me.

*Time Skip*

"She will come with us." I hear Gandalf say as I open my eyes. I am on a bed in the middle of a spacious room. There is a grand armoire to my right and a desk on the left. I look forward to the sunset clear on the horizon and see Gandalf and Elrond speaking.

"If she is going then I am going with her." Jessie stands near the wizard and elf.

Elrond throws her a disapproving glance before continuing his conversation with Gandalf. "We know not anything of them, how do we know they are to be trusted?"

"She has a power, what it is I am unsure, but I would rather have her near so I can watch over her." His gaze falls upon Jess as he continues, "Her friend may possess powers as well. It would be wise to take them with us."

"We have names you know." I'm irked that they keep talking as though we aren't even in the same room. Their eyes shift in my direction.

"Cass!" Jess shouts smiling, rushing to my side. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I should be. I don't know what got a hold of me back then." My voice is back to its softer self.

Gandalf comes forward, his gaze burning into mine. "I am well aware of the fact you have names, Lady Cassie." He turns to Jess and gives her a nod, "Lady Jessie."

"You can drop the lady thing, it's not necessary." Jess insists.

Gandalf's gaze returns to me, "This may seem sudden but I wish for you both to join the fellowship in its quest."

"Yes!" Jessie bursts, her eyes bright with excitement. I have to laugh, she is such a dork sometimes; always too ready to face untold dangers - or told dangers, since we've already seen the movies. Gandalf lets a smile spread across his face.

Lord Elrond sighs, "If you are all in accordance then go forth on this mission. I'll have Arwen prepare appropriate clothes for the journey." He pivots and leaves.

Gandalf chuckles. "Do not allow his stoicism bother you, he is kind."

"I'm sure he is." Jessie spouts rather sarcastically. I jabb her lightly in the ribs and she answers me with apologetic wince.

"We are thankful for your kindness and hospitality and will gladly go on this mission with you." I offer trying to sound as proper as possible. I don't want to risk the chance of offending him, after all he is one of the greatest wizards that ever roamed Middle Earth.

"It is of no consequence, we will leave in the morning," he glances toward the door. Arwen enters, clothes swaddled in her arms. "I shall take my leave," he nods in farewell to Arwen.

Her eyes scan us both as she advances into the room. "These clothes should fit you well. There is a pair for each of you." The clothes she hands us are pants similar to leggings and loose shirts with a belt to secure at our waist. The shirt I recieve is a light green similar to the shade of a praying mantis and the pants are a deep forest green. She also gives us satchel-like bags. Arwen informs us that before we leave Jess and I will be presented with a sword and a bow. I have to admit I am amazed, they are being extremely kind.

"Thank you, Lady." I say as we reach for our new clothes.

"Tell me, do the women where you are from dress like you?" Arwen inquires as she examines our clothes curiously.

"What women wear depends on them. We only wore something like this because we were sleeping and these are our pajamas. We would have worn something more. . . appropriate if we had known we were coming here." Jess replies.

"Interesting. . . I shall leave you. It is getting late and you will need your rest." She strides gracefully toward the door but swirls around suddenly, "Please take care of Aragorn." She gazes out the window despondent.

"We promise." My heart aches with her, having the man you love leave and venture toward unknown dangers, not knowing if he will return, must be incredibly difficult. Arwen returns her gaze to us and nods, allowing a small smile to grace her angelic features.

Alone, we face each other. "Our wish came true." I smile at Jessie as she turns to contemplate the moon.

"Yeah, I wouldn't have guessed that wishing on a star would have gotten us here." I giggle. It's all so crazy, almost like a weird disney movie.

Jess grins, "Kinda like a different version of Alice in Wonderland." She plops onto the bed. "You know, Gandalf is probably right. We were brought for a reason, and you obviously have powers here."

"What kind of power is it though?" I sigh. Its thrilling to know I have a power but trying to figure out exactly what it is is frustrating.

"If I had to guess, I would say you're a seer. You had a vision after all, didn't you?" Jess plays with the fringe of the pillows.

"Yes, I did. It was weird, even though we've watched the movies it was different seeing it like that." I lean back, " What about you, do you feel different? Any powers?"

"No, or at least they aren't making themselves known right now." Jessie sighs. "Mmm. . . I'm tired. G'night." She drifts off before I can even answer.

I chuckle to myself. She is such a little kid sometimes. I shut my eyes and sleep possess me.

*Time Skip*

We all shuffle around at the foot of the gate as Frodo descends the steps to join us with Elrond at his side. Once the goodbyes are said we begin moving on our way. I peek over my shoulder and catch Aragorn gazing at Arwen. Love and regret are evident in his face as he turns away from her to join us. My body stills mid step and I witness flashes of Arwen and Aragorn in the future smiling with bouncing children around them.

"Are you well." Aragorn comes to me.

"Do not despair, Aragorn, descendant of Isildur, you will live a long and joyous life should this quest succeed." The voice that spills from my lips is deep and confident; I feel my head spin as I gain full control of my body again. Aragorn holds my arm to keep me from falling.

"You honor me, my lady, with your gift." He gives a slight bow of his head and slowly releases my arm.

"Just Cassie is fine." I smile.

He nods in understanding and we both pick up our pace to catch up with the rest of the fellowship. When I finally fall into step with Jess she simply raises an eyebrow. I shake my head; I'll tell her about it later. We are finally setting off on this journey, and although I know there will be innumerable hardships, I allow my lips to curl into a smile.